In response to current practice patterns in Thoracic Surgery and to insure adequate preparation for contemporary Thoracic Surgery practice, the American Board of Thoracic Surgery has revised the standards required of individuals to qualify for entrance into its certification process. Starting in July 2007, the Board established 2 primary pathways to certification, a Cardiothoracic Surgery Pathway and a General Thoracic Surgery Pathway. An additional special certificate pathway will be established for candidates who complete the Cardiothoracic Surgery Track and plan to perform congenital heart surgery.
In consultation with other Thoracic Surgery organizations including the RRC-TS, the Joint Council for Thoracic Surgery Education (JCTSE) and the TSDA, the Board has established new operative case criteria, with revised case requirements for both primary tracks and added qualifications for Congenital Heart Surgery.
Effective for all Thoracic Surgery Residents starting in July 1, 2007
|
Cardiothoracic Pathway |
Current Case Requirements |
General Thoracic Pathway |
|
20
|
Congenital Heart Disease-20
|
10*
*All cases can be as First Assistant |
|
150
|
Adult Cardiac-75
|
75
|
|
50
|
Lung, Pluera, Chest Wall-50
|
100
|
| 5 | Mediastinum (resection)-7 | 10 |
|
15
|
Esophageal-8
|
30
|
|
15 |
VATS-10 | 30 |
| 255 | Total | 255 |
|
40
|
Endoscopy-30 Bronchoscopy Esophagoscopy-10 Mediastinoscopy |
90
|
|
100
|
Consultative Experience-0 New Patients Follow-up |
100
|